The Volta Regional Sports Council is to link various sports disciplines, especially the lesser known ones to traditional cultural festivals and other major events in the region. The initiative is to encourage the youth to be actively involved in sports and their cultural aspects of their lives and to give sports and lesser known sports its due recognition. Mr Gabriel Yao Missodey, the Regional Sports Development Officer said this at a ceremony to climax a Regional Cycling Competition at Kpando to mark this year's 53rd Independence Anniversary. He said the Region abounds in sporting talents and hope linking sports with the numerous festivals and big events would help discover the budding talents for the Region and the nation. Mr Missodey called on corporate entities and sports loving individuals to support the initiative to ensure the Region returns to its glorious times in sports achievements. Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Kpando District Chief Executive stated government's unflinching support to sports development and said plans were far advanced for the construction of sports stadiums in six regions including the Volta Region. Togbe Dagadu VIII, Paramount Chief of Akpini Traditional Area expressed the commitment of the Area to the development of sports in and advised sportsmen in the Area to be disciplined. Mr Mawusi Avornyotse from Kpando took the first position followed by Samuel Ahiakpatsi of Akatsi with King David also from Kpando taking the third position in the men's competition. Abubakari Isha, Victoria Atsunyo and Blame Berlinda, all from Kpando took first, second and third positions respectively in the women's competition. Source: GNA